By admin Construction • • • • • • 0 Comments

Hot Weather Concreting: How to Avoid the Problems that it Presents

The Perils of Concreting During
Hot Weather And How To Avoid Them

Hot weather concrete pouring can cause a myriad of problems. Many people think it is just about the heat itself but there is more to it than that. Many factors affect the quality and success of concreting during hot weather conditions. Hot weather, as defined by ACI 305R is any combination of the following:

  • High ambient temperature above 90 degrees
  • High concrete temperature
  • Low relative humidity
  • High wind speed
  • Solar radiation

The heat is not the problem as concrete cures through hydration and not temperature. However, when the concrete becomes hotter than 77 degrees, it speeds up the hydration timing. If the concrete isn’t hydrated properly, it will be weak, crack easily and be more susceptible to damage from freezing and thawing. Construction crews must prepare for hot weather concrete placement.

Ways to Prepare for Pouring Concrete in “Hot Weather”

  • Crews should avoid pouring the concrete during the hottest part of the day. Tracking hour by hour temps can assist with this determination. It is also wise to avoid extreme temperature changes. Pouring concrete on a hot day when followed by a cool night can cause thermal cracking to ensue.
  • A team of workers should be available to ensure that the work is finished quickly and efficiently. Truck delivery should occur early in the day and a group of laborers ready to start immediately. Check for any potential delays so that the task will be completed in a timely manner.
  • Sunshades, windbreaks or mist fogging can be used to protect and slow down the process of the concrete curing too quickly.
  • Extended set additive, moderate heat cement and blended cements can provide solutions to pouring concrete in difficult conditions.
  • Keeping concrete in the shade before pouring or using an evaporative retarder may help as well.
  • Once the water is added to the mix, reduce the mixing time.
  • Ice or cold water can be added to the mixture to cool down the concrete. Cold water can reduce the heat of the concrete by about 10 degrees and ice by approximately 20 degrees.
  • If a slab is being poured, putting cool water on the sub-grade is another neat trick.
  • Control-joints can be spaced closer together to aid in strengthening.
  • Steel Fiber Concrete can be used to make slabs to add after walls and roofs are built out. Adding steel fiber to concrete has advantages and disadvantages so do your homework before choosing this method.
  • Extreme weather conditions may require the infusion of liquid nitrogen into the mixers. This solution can be costly as there are concerns about damage to blades and precautions must be taken.
  • There are several curing methods that can be used. Understanding these methods directly impacts how successful your curing process is.  Concrete companies will want to have a plan ahead of time as to the correct method for each individual situation and to follow through with recommended procedures.

Setting concrete in difficult situations is a complicated process. However, with a little research and a lot of preparation, a concrete job can have favorable results.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

7 Advantages of Choosing a Concrete Parking Lot for your Business

Don’t underestimate the value of a great parking lot to your business. From prospective clients to potential employees, your parking lot is a big part of the first impression your building makes. Obviously, you want that impression to be a good one. An adequate number of spaces is just the beginning. The parking lot should also be a safe environment for guests.

Asphalt is a popular car park material. It is inexpensive and quick to install. Smart business owners think long-term, however. More and more companies are choosing a concrete parking lot instead. Here are seven reasons to consider a concrete parking lot, even if the bid is a little higher:

 

1. Stronger

Concrete is far more durable than asphalt. It keeps its form without buckling even under the weight of heavy traffic and heavier vehicles. If you expect high traffic or visits from a lot of trucks, concrete is the material that can take the beating.

 

2. Longer-Lasting

As a business owner, you have a keen eye to “return on investment.” A lower price tag is not a great value if the product has to be replaced in half the time or less than the pricier option. In this case, concrete lasts far longer than asphalt, making it a better investment long-term.

 

3. Better-Looking

Don’t forget that crucial first impression. Even a basic concrete parking lot typically looks better than its asphalt cousins. Better yet, concrete can be textured, colored, and decorated to create a unique, appealing aesthetic customized to your business.

 

4. Better for the Environment

Most of the materials in concrete are natural and chemical-free. “Sustainable concrete,” which contributes to a stable rainwater cycle, is available as well. In the summer heat, asphalt parking lots soften and seep oils and chemicals, becoming unpleasant and unsafe to walk on. A concrete parking lot absorbs less heat, which keeps the office park from turning into a “heat island” that damages the local flora and fauna.

 

5. Low-Maintenance

Asphalt requires annual service and preventative maintenance. Concrete parking lots need service far less frequently. If you have enough to keep you busy at your company without having to schedule service calls every year, a concrete parking lot is the way to go.

 

6. Better Lighting

Asphalt is black or dark gray because it absorbs more light than it reflects. In contrast, concrete reflects three times as much light as asphalt. This reflected light reduces the amount of electric light required to keep the parking lot well-lit. A well-lit parking lot is crucial for safety, as it deters crime. Easy lighting also reduces electric bills.

 

7. Long-Term Cost Savings

Lower utility bills. Less maintenance. Longer lasting. You can probably see a pattern emerging. Yes, the initial installation cost can be higher and more time-consuming. Over the long term, however, the costs associated with a concrete parking lot can actually be a lot lower than an asphalt one, in terms of both cash and time expenditure.

 

 

Installing or replacing a parking lot is a critical investment in the life of a business. Remember, the best solution isn’t always the least pricey solution. From eco-friendliness to cost savings, consider the long-term advantages of a concrete parking lot.